TEACHERS are facing a severe mental health crisis, with rates of stress, anxiety and depression more than three times the annual national average, according to a major new study.
The research, published in Social Psychology of Education, surveyed nearly 5000 primary and secondary teachers between October 2022 and May 2024 and is the first large-scale Australian study to measure teacher mental health using validated psychological tools.
The findings reveal a profession under immense strain, with 90 per cent of teachers reporting moderate to extremely severe stress, and more than two-thirds experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Lead researcher Helena Granziera said the results were deeply concerning for both teacher wellbeing and the future of education.
“This is not just a wellbeing issue – it’s a workforce issue,” Dr Granziera said.
“Teachers are experiencing mental health symptoms at rates far above the general population, and these symptoms are closely linked to their workload and intentions to leave the profession.”
Ipswich teachers say the numbers reflect what they see in local schools.
Sarah Matherson, a Year 6 teacher at an Ipswich central primary school, said her workload had become overwhelming.
“I love teaching, but I’m drowning in paperwork,” she said. “The admin, the data collection – it never ends. It feels like we spend more time proving we’re doing our job than actually teaching.”
Local secondary teacher Michael Harrison agreed, saying the non-teaching tasks were breaking educators.
“Compliance, reporting, endless meetings – it’s relentless,” he said.
“I’ve seen brilliant teachers walk away because the pressure is just too much.”
The study found almost 69 per cent of teachers described their workload as largely or completely unmanageable, with administrative duties, compliance requirements and excessive data collection taking time away from lesson planning and student engagement.
Dr Granziera warned the issue was fuelling teacher shortages, with figures showing up to 30 per cent of teachers were considering leaving the profession before retirement.
“If we want to retain skilled educators and ensure quality education for all students, we must address the root causes of teacher stress and mental health decline.”
The consequences go beyond teacher wellbeing, with mental health issues among educators linked to both student outcomes and student mental health.
Ipswich teachers say the strain is impacting the classroom.
“When we’re exhausted and stressed, it’s hard to be the teacher our students deserve,” Ms Matherson said.
